Photos: Badger Pass in Yosemite National Park

Dan Blackburn / Image Associates

The chairlifts, now upgraded, are state of the art. The lodge has been freshened. Still belovedly the same, however, is the relaxed spirit that makes Yosemite's Badger Pass Ski Area so popular with families. Youngsters receiving their first instruction tend to bring smiles instantly to the faces of passersby.

The chairlifts, now upgraded, are state of the art. The lodge has been freshened. Still belovedly the same, however, is the relaxed spirit that makes Yosemite's Badger Pass Ski Area so popular with families. Youngsters receiving their first instruction tend to bring smiles instantly to the faces of passersby. (Dan Blackburn / Image Associates)

The lifts whisk skiers to more than 600 vertical feet of play space. Waits for the chairs are brief or nonexistent. On weekends, Badger Pass may host 1,000 skiers a day, but midweek there are fewer than 300.

The lifts whisk skiers to more than 600 vertical feet of play space. Waits for the chairs are brief or nonexistent. On weekends, Badger Pass may host 1,000 skiers a day, but midweek there are fewer than 300. (Dan Blackburn / Image Associates)